Snowy Monaro Regional Council is calling on all community members to get to know our priority weeds and find out what we can all do to play our part to protect our environment, help our farmers and support our community.
The impact of weeds is estimated to cost the NSW economy about $1.8 billion annually (NSW Department of Industry, 2018).
This is the third in our nine-week series where we'll be sharing information on our region's priority weeds, this week focusing on Parthenium Weed.
What is Parthenium Weed?
Parthenium weed is a Weed of National Significance and is classed as a prohibited matter in NSW. If you see this plant please report it to either Council on 1300 345 345 or the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.
Parthenium weed is a fast-growing plant with small white flowers. It can cause allergic reactions in humans and is a serious agricultural weed.
Parthenium weed is native to the Caribbean, southern USA and Central America. It was introduced to central Queensland in the 1950s in contaminated pasture seed from Texas, USA. Parthenium Weed does not have established populations in NSW but it is widespread in central Queensland. Conditions are ideal for Parthenium Weed in most areas of NSW.
Why is Parthenium Weed a problem?
• Grows quickly
• Outcompetes other plants by competing for nutrients and moisture and by releasing chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth
• Causes human health problems
• Unpalatable to stock
• Outcompetes degraded or drought-affected pastures
• Reduces carrying capacity
• Causes livestock health problems
• Competes with crop seedlings including sunflowers and sorghum
• Reduces crop yields
• Contaminates grain
• Is a host for crop viruses
Parthenium Weed can cause respiratory problems and severe dermatitis. Never touch the plant with bare hands and use a dust mask if working near the weed. People might not have an allergic reaction the first time they touch a plant, but allergies can develop after a few exposures. Once a reaction to Parthenium Weed develops, some people go on to develop allergies to related plants such as sunflowers. This reaction can be so severe that people with the allergy may need to move away from Parthenium Weed infested areas.
Livestock do not usually eat Parthenium Weed but if no other feed is available, they may eat large amounts. This can cause kidney damage in ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats). Young cattle are most susceptible to dying from parthenium poisoning. Animals may also have allergic reactions including dermatitis. If livestock (especially sheep) eat Parthenium Weed within one month of slaughter it can taint the flavour of the meat. It can also taint milk.
What can you do?
• Learn to identify and report any sighting of Parthenium Weed
o Download the free NSW Weed Wise app onto your phone or visit the website at https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/
o Call Council and one of our Biosecurity Officers can assist you with identification
o Do not attempt to treat or dispose of Parthenium Weed yourself
• Check high-risk sites where Parthenium Weed might establish. These are places with disturbed, degraded or bare soil
• Also, check for it where:
o new soil or compost has been delivered
o hay, grain or birdseed has been fed to livestock (including chickens)
• Visit Council's website to understand how we can help you with weed management: https://www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/140/Biosecurity-and-Weeds
